PHOTOS: Aren’t they a blessing!

Nancy Livingston and her 16 month-old rescue, Lucy watch the parade of doggies arriving for their animal blessings. Almost 20 dogs, and a cat, greet as they arrive at the Animal Blessing at The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, 67 Church St., Sunday, Oct. 7.

Kevin and Lisa Lawless give their trio of long and short-haired Jack Russells some water after their blessings at The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, 67 Church St., Sunday, Oct. 7.

They gathered; all ages and all species. Pets, pictures of pets and dear stuffed animals were brought all to be blessed at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair. last weekend.

The service draws from the inspiration of St. Francis of Assisi. The church encourages participants to take a moment to grieve the animals that have died, share the gratitude for the animals that make lives better and commit to treating animals like partners not things.